Wednesday, 30 December 2015

Who isn't on the quest to acquire the perfect set of teeth?It was Hippocrates and Aristotle who wrote about repairing decaying teeth and fractured jaws centuries ago, and today, cosmetic bonding and cosmetic dentistry are all the rage. Many of us looking for the perfect smile will waste no time in thronging their dentist's office with such requests.Having a great set of pearly whites can boost your self-confidence like few other things can. However, keeping your teeth in great shape will require you to put in a little time and effort on an everyday basis.The daily brushing-and-flossing routine is a must for maintaining dental hygiene. Additionally, making sure that you stick to the following oral-hygiene tips and tricks will help you protect and care for your teeth better.1. Keep Stains AwayCan't keep away from your cup of black coffee, but want to avoid those ghastly stains on your teeth? The good news is that you can lighten and remove most teeth stains.With technological advancements, several teeth-whitening procedures have been developed that can treat tooth discoloration effectively. While most are performed at the dentist's, taking a few precautionary measures yourself can help you avoid these stains all together.Sip your dark-colored soda, red wine, and coffee with a straw in small quantities, instead of drinking them from a glass/mug as doing so can ensure that your teeth never stain.2. Keep Your Teeth Naturally Clean and StrongWoke up late and rushing to work? Seems like flossing isn't going to be possible today? No worries! Munch on fibrous fruits and veggies like apples and lettuce for breakfast. Fiber prevents the buildup of tartar and plaque on your teeth, thus making them appear cleaner.Fibrous foods also serve as exfoliating agents and prevent stain molecules from attaching themselves to teeth. Also, because these crunchy foods require a lot of chewing, they keep your teeth and gums strong and healthy.To read the entire article written by Lawrence Calagna, please visit WebDental.comDentist Plymouth MIDouglas A. Callow, DDS9357 General Drive, Suite 112Plymouth, MI 48170Phone: (734) 455-2890Website: www.CallowDDS.com

Wednesday, 23 December 2015

Dentists complete 122 million composite tooth restorations in the United States each year, according to Oregon State University (OSU). But the average lifetime of posterior dental composites is only 6 years. Bioactive glass may improve their durability and provide some of the minerals that have been lost to tooth decay.“Bioactive glass, which is a type of crushed glass that is able to interact with the body, has been used in some types of bone healing for decades,” said Jamie Kruzic, a professor at the OSU college of engineering. The hard and stiff material can replace the inert glass fillers now mixed with polymers to make modern composite tooth fillings.“This type of glass is only beginning to see use in dentistry, and our research shows it may be very promising for tooth fillings,” he said. “The bacteria in the mouth that help cause cavities don’t seem to like this type of glass and are less likely to colonize on fillings that incorporate it. This could have a significant impact on the future of dentistry.”Bioactive glass is made with compounds such as silicon oxide, calcium oxide, and phosphorous oxide, and it looks like powdered glass. Its antimicrobial effect is attributed, in part, to the release of ions such as those from calcium and phosphate that have a toxic effect on oral bacteria and tend to neutralize the local acidic environment.“Almost all fillings will eventually fail,” Kruzic said. “New tooth decay often begins at the interface of a filling and the tooth and is called secondary tooth decay. The tooth is literally being eroded and demineralized at that surface.” To read the entire article, please visit DentistryToday.com

Sunday, 6 December 2015

Myth 1: The consequences of poor oral health are restricted to the mouthExpectant mothers may not know that what they eat affects the tooth development of the fetus. Poor nutrition during pregnancy may make the unborn child more likely to have tooth decay later in life. “Between the ages of 14 weeks to four months, deficiencies in calcium, vitamin D, vitamin A, protein and calories could result in oral defects,” says Carole Palmer, EdD, RD, professor at TUSDM and head of the division of nutrition and oral health promotion in the department of public health and community service. Some data also suggest that lack of adequate vitamin B6 or B12 could be a risk factor for cleft lip and cleft palate formation.In children, tooth decay is the most prevalent disease, about five times more common than childhood asthma. “If a child’s mouth hurts due to tooth decay, he/she is less likely to be able to concentrate at school and is more likely to be eating foods that are easier to chew but that are less nutritious. Foods such as donuts and pastries are often lower in nutritional quality and higher in sugar content than more nutritious foods that require chewing, like fruits and vegetables,” says Palmer. “Oral complications combined with poor diet can also contribute to cognitive and growth problems and can contribute to obesity.”Myth 2: More sugar means more tooth decayIt isn’t the amount of sugar you eat; it is the amount of time that the sugar has contact with the teeth. “Foods such as slowly-dissolving candies and soda are in the mouth for longer periods of time. This increases the amount of time teeth are exposed to the acids formed by oral bacteria from the sugars,” says Palmer.Some research shows that teens obtain about 40 percent of their carbohydrate intake from soft drinks. This constant beverage use increases the risk of tooth decay. Sugar-free carbonated drinks and acidic beverages, such as lemonade, are often considered safer for teeth than sugared beverages but can also contribute to demineralization of tooth enamel if consumed regularly.To read the entire article written by Medardo Chua, please visit IDentalAccess.comDentist Plymouth MIDouglas A. Callow, DDS9357 General Drive, Suite 112Plymouth, MI 48170Phone: (734) 455-2890Website: www.CallowDDS.com

Sunday, 29 November 2015

When it comes to personal oral hygiene, not all men are as attentive to their teeth as women. Starting with the checkup, surveys suggests men are more likely to see a dentist only in the event of a problem. So, guys, learn how to step up your oral care routine with the following tips for maintaining a healthy smile and preventing oral health problems before they start.Toothbrush TipsBrushing is just one part of keeping your mouth clean - doing so twice a day, in particular. However, the average man brushes his teeth 1.9 times a day, according to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). It's not enough to brush quickly and be on your way; two minutes of thorough cleaning is your most effective approach. Keep in mind you don't need to brush hard during this process. Use a soft-bristled brush such as Colgate® Slim Soft™ and brush gently at a 45-degree angle.Some helpful hints: Replace your toothbrush every three to four months, rinse it after each use and store it in an upright position to air dry. Storing it in a container actually allows microorganisms to grow on the brush, explains the American Dental Association (ADA), so it's best to avoid this method.Sports and Dental InjuriesPlaying contact sports can lead to trauma in unexpected places, and this includes broken, chipped or lost teeth. Wear a mouthguard when you're on the field and a helmet when you're on your bike. Ultimately, see your dentist as soon as possible after experiencing an incident to quickly assess the damage and determine what can be done to fix it.To read the entire article written by Margie Monin Dombrowski, please visit Colgate.comDentist Plymouth MIDouglas A. Callow, DDS9357 General Drive, Suite 112Plymouth, MI 48170Phone: (734) 455-2890Website: www.CallowDDS.com

Sunday, 22 November 2015

Your dental health is an important part of your overall wellness, and the New Year is a great time to create resolutions for improving your health. Many people have dental health resolutions that range from improving their toothbrushing habits to completing delayed dental treatment. Understanding the benefits of your particular resolutions can be motivating and rewarding. Whatever your goals might be, it is important to take small steps to achieve them. Consistency is key with any resolution that you make.Improving Toothbrushing and Flossing HabitsPerhaps you would like to improve your oral health. Daily toothbrushing and flossing is a sure and simple way to improve your oral health. For successful bacterial plaque removal, it is important to brush at least twice a day using an appropriately sized, soft-bristle, manual or electric toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste. When you brush your teeth, gently position the toothbrush bristles at a 45-degree angle toward the gumline and move the toothbrush across the teeth to effectively remove bacterial plaque. It is also important to floss at least once per day to remove bacterial plaque and food that has accumulated throughout the day. Your toothbrush should be replaced every 3 to 4 months, as well as after you have a cold or flu or if the bristles are frayed. Daily toothbrushing and flossing help to prevent gingivitis (gum disease), tooth decay and halitosis (bad breath). The daily use of antimicrobial and fluoride mouthrinses also helps to improve your oral health.To read the entire article written by Yolanda Eddis, please visit Colgate.com

Friday, 6 November 2015

There's nothing like jamming a waxed piece of string between your tightest molars and sliding it back and forth. And who doesn't do that once a day, just as the dentist prescribes?Well, a lot of us. Twenty-seven percent of adults lie to their dentists about how often they floss their teeth, a survey released Tuesday found. Not only that, but more than a third of people surveyed would rather be doing unpleasant chores than flossing their teeth daily. Fourteen percent would rather clean the toilet. Nine percent would rather sit in gridlock traffic for an hour. And 7 percent would rather listen to small children crying on a plane.Actually, that 27 percent sounds awfully low. When we called up Dr. Joan Otomo-Corgel, a periodontist and president of the American Academy of Periodontology, which conducted the survey, she said: "Is that all?"More than a third of Americans would rather do an unpleasant activity than floss.American Academy of PeriodontologyShe's not the only oral health professional who thinks many patients are fibbing when they say they're flossing. "I am shocked," says Dr. Sally Cram, a periodontist and spokesperson for the American Dental Association, via email. "Given my experience with patients in my practice I thought it would be higher!"To read the entire article written by Jessie Rack, please visit NPR.orgDentist Plymouth MIDouglas A. Callow, DDS9357 General Drive, Suite 112Plymouth, MI 48170Phone: (734) 455-2890Website: www.CallowDDS.com

Friday, 30 October 2015

Taking care of your pearly whites isn't rocket science, but it's easy to slip into habits that could cause heartache -- er, toothache -- in the long run. We got the latest on giving your teeth the TLC they need from two New York City pros: Alice Lee, DDS, an assistant professor in the Department of Dentistry for Montefiore Health System, and Alison Newgard, DDS, an assistant professor of clinical dentistry at Columbia University College of Dentistry, will clue you in on where you could be going wrong.Multitasking while you brushEvery minute in the morning feels precious, so it's tempting to brush your teeth in the shower or while scrolling through your Twitter feed. "To each his own," says Dr. Newgard, "but I prefer patients to be in front of a mirror, over the sink; you can be sure to hit all the surfaces of your teeth, and you'll do a more thorough job when you're not distracted." Better to leave the bathroom a few minutes later having given proper attention to each step of your prep.Overcleaning your toothbrushThinking about running your brush through the dishwasher or zapping it in the microwave to disinfect it? Think again: While we've all seen those stories about toothbrushes harboring gross bacteria, the CDC says there's no evidence that anyone has ever gotten sick from their own toothbrush. Just give your brush a good rinse with regular old tap water, let it air-dry, and store it upright where it's not touching anyone else's brush. More drastic cleaning measures may damage your brush, the CDC notes, which defeats its purpose.Using social media as your dentistThe web is full of weird and (seemingly) wonderful DIY dental tips that can hurt much more than they'll help. Read our lips: Don't even go there. "I've heard of patients who go on Pinterest and find ways to whiten their teeth there--by swishing with straight peroxide, for example--which are not good for their teeth," Dr. Newgard says. "Use ADA-approved products that have been tested." (Another online tip to skip: trying to close up a gap in your teeth with DIY rubber band braces.) To read the entire article written by Lauren Oster, please visit HuffingtonPost.com Dentist Plymouth MIDouglas A. Callow, DDS9357 General Drive, Suite 112Plymouth, MI 48170Phone: (734) 455-2890Website: www.CallowDDS.com

Friday, 23 October 2015

Let's just say, it might be time to get your pearly whites checked.It's time for Americans to get over their fear of the dentist. According to new data published from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics, more than 25% of U.S. adults aged 20 to 64 have untreated tooth decay. Additionally, 1 in 5 adults aged 65 and older may have it as well.And if that's not motivation enough to take a seat in the dental chair, 91% have one tooth (or more) that has been treated for tooth decay or needs to be.To read the entire article written by Samantha Toscano, please visit GoodHouseKeeping.com

Tuesday, 6 October 2015

Halloween is just around the corner, and although candy consumption is almost unavoidable this time of year, the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) wants parents and children to know that there are both good and bad candy options, both of which may find their way into children's trick-or-treat bags this fall. "Of course, dentists do not advocate that children eat large amounts of sugary treats, but it is that time of year, so we want to clarify for parents which treats are better for their kids' teeth and which ones may increase the risk of developing cavities," says AGD spokesperson Cynthia Sherwood, DDS, FAGD. To read the entire article, visit: KnowYourTeeth.comDentist Plymouth MIDouglas A. Callow, DDS9357 General Drive, Suite 112Plymouth, MI 48170Phone: (734) 455-2890Website: www.CallowDDS.com

Tuesday, 29 September 2015

Your child's first visit to the dentist should happen before his or her first birthday. The general rule is six months after eruption of the first tooth. Taking your child to the dentist at a young age is the best way to prevent problems such as tooth decay, and can help parents learn how to clean their child's teeth and identify his or her fluoride needs. After all, decay can occur as soon as teeth appear. Bringing your child to the dentist early often leads to a lifetime of good oral care habits and acclimates your child to the dental office, thereby reducing anxiety and fear, which will make for plenty of stress-free visits in the future. To read the entire article, visit: KnowYourTeeth.comDentist Plymouth MIDouglas A. Callow, DDS9357 General Drive, Suite 112Plymouth, MI 48170Phone: (734) 455-2890Website: www.CallowDDS.com

Tuesday, 22 September 2015

With the American population living longer, seniors' oral health has become an important issue, as has the widespread problem of elder abuse. Every year more than 2.5 million older Americans may be victims of elder abuse, and in some cases dentists serve as the first line of defense, according to a report in the May/June 2005 issue of General Dentistry, the clinical, peer-reviewed journal of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD).To read the entire article, visit: KnowYourTeeth.com

Sunday, 30 August 2015

Brushing your teeth twice a day not only keeps your breath sweet, but also helps rid the mouth of bacteria that makes up plaque and can lead to oral infections. To brush properly, point bristles at a 45-degree angle against the gums. Use gentle back-and-forth strokes all over your teeth -- in front, in back, and on chewing surfaces -- for two minutes. If holding a toothbrush is hard for you, try an electric toothbrush. Also brush your gums and tongue.The above article is from: WebMD.com

Sunday, 23 August 2015

Sticky plaque -- food, saliva, and bacteria -- starts to form on your teeth after you eat, releasing acids that attack tooth enamel. Untreated plaque turns into tartar, which builds under gum lines and is hard to remove with flossing. The longer it stays on your teeth, the more harmful it is. Bacteria in plaque causes inflammation and leads to gum disease. Having high blood sugar often makes gum disease worse.The above article is from: WebMD.com

Friday, 7 August 2015

People with diabetes are prone to oral infections. You should get dental checkups at least twice a year. Let your dentist know you have diabetes and what medicines you take. Regular checkups and professional cleanings can help keep a mouth healthy. And a dentist can teach you the best ways to care for your teeth and gums at home.The above article is from: WebMD.com

Friday, 24 July 2015

Diabetes puts you at risk for dental problems. It impairs the ability to fight bacteria in your mouth. Having high blood sugar encourages bacteria to grow and contributes to gum disease. You may have gum disease if you have:

Gums that are red, sore, bleeding, or swollen, or that pull away from your teeth

Tuesday, 7 July 2015

Ways And Products To Maintain Oral Care On The GoThese days, it seems like everybody is going non-stop. But just because you’re busy or traveling - whether for work or play - that’s no excuse for neglecting your daily dental care routine. One of the easiest ways to maintain oral care on the go is to carry a small container of floss with you. If you’re hiking or camping and want to travel light, floss takes up less space than your electric flosser.A variety of products make oral care easier when you are traveling or time-strapped. Soft flosses, such as Oral-B’s Satin Floss, can be used by anyone. They slide easily between the teeth to make flossing faster and easier. Also, interdental brush cleaners, made of nylon bristles and narrow enough to fit between teeth, combine brushing and flossing for surfaces between the teeth.If you are hiking, camping or traveling where space is at a premium, buy a small travel toothbrush that folds up. The brush will stay clean and it will take up less of your valuable space.Another point: If you’re going to be traveling for an extended period of time, and especially if you will be traveling overseas or in the wilderness, be sure to schedule a checkup with your dentist before you go. The last thing you want is a dental health problem to erupt when you are far from reliable dental care. Problems can still occur, but you can reduce the risk by being as prepared as you can before you travel.The above article is from: OralB.com

Tuesday, 30 June 2015

Nutrition TipsFollowing a proper and nutritious diet not only helps keep your body healthy, but your mouth as well. Nutrition plays an important role in the health and cleanliness of your teeth, gums and mouth.Limit Soda, Coffee and AlcoholAlthough these beverages contain a high level of phosphorous, which is a necessary mineral for a healthy mouth, too much phosphorous can deplete the body's level of calcium. This causes dental hygiene problems such as tooth decay and gum disease. Beverages containing additives such as corn syrup and food dye can make pearly white teeth appear dull and discolored. Therefore, it is best to choose beverages like milk, which helps strengthen teeth and build stronger enamel, giving you a healthy, beautiful smile.Drink Tap Water When PossibleIf bottled water is your main source of drinking water, you could be missing the decay-preventive benefits of fluoride.Monitor Your Low-Carb LifestyleDespite their popularity, low-carb diets can cause bad breath. A balanced, dental-healthy diet can help reduce tooth decay.Increase Your Calcium IntakeAfter age 20, both men and women lose more bone mass than they form so it is important to restore lost calcium with a daily supplement and by eating fruits and vegetables high in calcium, such as dark leafy greens. These foods will also help to lower the acid buildup in the saliva that can lead to breakdown of tooth enamel.Take a Daily Dose of Vitamins C and DThese vitamins help support the absorption of healthy mouth minerals such as calcium and phosphorous, which support the bone and gum tissue, keeping it healthy. This is an easy way to maintain dental hygiene and fight gum disease.Put Out the CigaretteSmoking cigarettes is one of the greatest contributors to the aging mouth. According to the Center for Disease Control, more than 22 million women in the United States smoke cigarettes. In addition to staining teeth, smoking interrupts calcium absorption in the body and can also cause potentially life-threatening diseases such as oral cancer. So stop smoking and enjoy the health benefits as well as a healthy, beautiful smile.The above article is from: OralB.com

Tuesday, 23 June 2015

Bad Effects Of Dental GrillsDental grills, also known as “grillz,” have become popular among some teens and adults due to their popularity among celebrities, especially rap musicians. Grills are decorative covers that snap over one or more teeth. They are usually made of gold, silver or other precious metals. But less expensive grills are often made from base metals that can cause irritation or an allergic reaction.There are no long-term studies of dental grills, so there are no data about long-term safety or about problems resulting from long-term wear.Grills can promote plaque buildup and tooth decay because food particles and bacteria may build up between the teeth and the grill. A grill may also cause abrasion of the teeth that border it. Excessive wearing of grills may discolor teeth, too, so grill fans may need to whiten teeth when they decide to stop wearing the grill.Anyone who wears a dental grill should be especially attentive to dental hygiene, and follow a consistent routine of twice-daily tooth brushing and daily flossing. Also, be sure to remove the grill before eating and rinse it often to remove bacteria and food particles. Talk to your dentist before getting a dental grill and be sure to find out how best to reduce the risk of bacterial buildup and other complications.The above article is from: OralB.com

Monday, 8 June 2015

Daily flossing is an important component of plaque removal, but it’s one that many people avoid because they find flossing painful. But the right flossing products can make flossing easy and painless.Many people think that standard dental floss is the only effective product for tooth flossing. But there are many products to meet the needs of people of all ages with any type of dental condition. If one of these conditions applies to you, consider some specialized flossing options:

You have sensitive gums. If you have sensitive teeth and gums that bleed easily, choose a soft floss, such as Oral-B’s Satin Floss, that slides easily and comfortably between the teeth

You have braces. If you wear braces or have dentures, that doesn’t mean that you can’t floss. Try a specialized floss, such as Oral-B’s Super Floss, which has a stiff end that you can thread beneath the main wire of your braces and a spongy component that slides easily between the teeth

You have a child. It’s important to teach children the benefits of flossing at a young age. You can start teaching children to floss their teeth at about age 5-7 years, but many children are less than enthusiastic, and they may complain that flossing hurts or is difficult. Try a kid-friendly flossing tool, such as the Oral-B Stages flossers, which are designed to be easy for children to handle and feature kid-friendly characters

You have difficulty manipulating floss. Try an electric flosser, such as the Oral-B Hummingbird. An electric flosser is neat and easy, especially if you don’t like reaching into the back of your mouth. And an electric flosser provides the right amount of pressure to leave your gums feeling pleasantly stimulated.

Monday, 1 June 2015

Saliva has an important job to do in your mouth. For starters, it helps to remove food particles. But it also helps prevent tooth decay and infection by washing away plaque and keeping disease-causing bacteria from building up on your teeth and gums. But saliva can’t do all that work by itself. So it’s important to remove plaque yourself by practicing good oral hygiene, which means proper flossing each day, and twice-daily tooth brushing.Most of us don’t think about the moisture in our mouths until our mouths become dry. A variety of conditions can cause dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, including the following:

Cancer treatments. If you have any type of cancer of the head or neck and you receive radiation therapy, dry mouth is a common side effect because the radiation damages the salivary glands in addition to destroying the cancer. Some medications used to treat cancer in any part of the body can also cause dry mouth.

Prescription medications. Hundreds of common medications, including many antidepressants and medications for high blood pressure, can contribute to a dry mouth. If you take medications that seem to make your mouth feel dry, be especially vigilant about tooth brushing and proper flossing.

Nerve damage. Some types of injuries to the head or neck can damage the specific nerves that tell the salivary glands to produce saliva.

Chronic illness. Diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and Parkinson’s disease are among the diseases that can contribute to a chronic dry mouth.